Currently, a group of Year 9 students who study Mandarin are spending time in China on a trip that forms part of the Mandarin Excellence in Schools programme. The students participate in an intense Mandarin language course as well as cultural activities in Beijing and its local area.
Under intense heat and armed with nothing but determination and some bao, the CFBS squad lined up for what will surely go down as one of the most iconic runs in school history – the CFBS Great Wall of China Challenge.
From the starter’s shout to the final step, it was a show of grit with our students and staff leaving every other school in their wake.
🥇First across the line was Max L, storming home in a breathtaking 18 minutes, bagging 1st in age group and 1st overall. A phenomenal run that had locals wondering if they’d just witnessed a new Great Wall record.
🥉Not far behind, and keeping the CFBS flag flying high, was Hobbs, finishing strong in 24 minutes, claiming 2nd in age group and 2nd overall — the silver medal never looked so golden.
Then came Oliver, clocking 30 minutes flat for 3rd in age group and 4th overall.
Yes! CFBS locked out the top four overall places. A 1-2-3-4 finish that left every other school dazed and dazzled.🏆
But this wasn’t just a day for the podium crew. There were fantastic performances all round:
- Gaston glided in with 44 minutes of smooth steps.
- Jupiter powered through to the finish with a solid 46 minutes.
- Max A-K strode in with 48 minutes.
- Raph brought it home like a legend in 50 minutes, sealing the day with a smile.
🏅The Olympic Spirit Award goes to Max A-K, who was off to a flying start but came across a fellow student who was struggling. Without hesitation, he paused his own race to support his friend down a tricky stretch of the wall – only then turning on the jets to finish strong.
From aching legs to beaming smiles, it was a cracking day of camaraderie, competition, and CFBS spirit.
